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Can You Chew Gum with Braces?

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Can you chew gum with braces?

We all cannot get enough of chewing gum, can we? Well, how about chewing them with braces? This is a question so many people have had to ask themselves and because we cannot tell when we may need braces, we should understand the challenges they pose to chewing gum, if any. The importance of braces to our teeth cannot be overemphasized but the question is, can you chew gum with braces? Well, let’s find out.

To begin easy, let us start by understanding why you should be chewing gum in the first places. There are many benefits of chewing gum, and the first of those is for relieving stress. There are many studies that have pointed out to the possibility of gum chewing suppressing the release of the stress-inducing hormone, cortisol.

Gum chewing is also associated with increased dental health. This is due to the fact that it stimulates the release of saliva which washes the mouth and reduces the chances of developing bad breath and plaque, which is associated with a myriad of dental problems. However, not any gum promotes healthy teeth. Experts encourage that you invest in the sugarless chewing gums as opposed to the sugar-flavored ones. Those who are looking to lose weight naturally will also find chewing gum very resourceful in that regard. This is due to the fact that it helps suppress cravings and control appetites, making individuals eat less.

So, do gum and braces go hand in hand?

Absolutely. However, you should always insist on the best gum for braces, as not all gums will work in favor of them.

» Chewing gum increases blood flow around the periodontal membrane which in effect restores lymphatic circulation, therefore relieving any pain and inflammation around the teeth. »

What kind of gum can you chew with braces?

Now that we have just discovered it is actually possible to chew gum with braces, we should go on to isolate the gums that are bad for your braces. There is what is referred to as a dental chewing gum. This is a special gum for braces that experts recommend. Primarily due to the fact that it is sugar-free and does not stick onto your braces. Talk to your dentist to find dental chewing gum that is suitable for you. In addition, you should learn how to chew gum with braces as this could strengthen or weaken their foundation in your teeth.

As a general rule, chewing gum with braces should only last as long as the pain in the teeth persists. Once the pain is totally allayed, you should remove the gum. Clean the braces thoroughly and proceed with regular oral hygiene care. Now, we can safely get back to our question and ask one more time, can you chew gum with braces? The answer is a resounding YES.

How to eat with braces on teeth?

Eating with braces is no mean feat but luckily. There are certain groups of food that have been identified as good for you if you have braces. An example of braces friendly food includes dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yoghurt. Any other soft food such as soup, eggs and pasta is highly recommended.

If at all possible, avoid the hard foods such as pizza, popcorn, ice as these foods could lead to tooth sensitivity. At times it may not be easy to live exclusively on soft foods and you may want to munch on something harder. In such cases, you are encouraged to cut the foods into small bits and then cook them till they are soft. When it comes to eating, ensure you ingest small bits of the food and chew using your back teeth. Eating slowly and gently is also important as you do not want to irritate your sensitive gums.